The Best SDI Cables (2023 Update)

Best Value Cable Assembly

Blue Jeans Cable 6G-SDI

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I have purchased and used dozens of these exact cables over the last decade and I can attest to their quality and dependability.

• Made with Belden 1694A, a highly popular industry standard coax
• Made with high quality Canare BNC crimp connectors
• Made by a trusted cable maker based in Seattle, Washington with more than 20 years in the industry

If you don't anticipate needing 12G-SDI capability and want to save a few bucks compared to the top pick above, then look no further!

Best Budget Cable Assembly

Monoprice Viper RG-6

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I'm aware this breaks my rule by not having published ratings for SMPTE standards. 😱

But, I get it. Sometimes you just need to get the job done with the least expense possible.

If you only need up to 100' of cable, only need to support 3G-SDI or less, and the cable will not be in a mission-critical position then this low-cost solution is an option.

However, along with having no published ratings for SMPTE SDI transmission distances, this cable also has no published ratings or certifications for through-wall, in-wall, riser, or plenum applications. So unfortunately I cannot recommend this cable for permanent installation in, or through, structures as well.

But I do appreciate that Monoprice uses a pure copper conductor. That alone is better than nearly all other budget options that use copper-clad steel or other cost-cutting materials.

Best Cable Assembly Money Can Buy

Blue Jeans Cable RG-7

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Not only is this behemoth one of the most capable coax cables ever made, it can double as a weapon! 🥷

• Made with Belden 4794R, an insanely robust coax
• Made with high quality Belden connectors
• Made by a trusted cable maker based in Seattle, Washington with more than 20 years in the industry

Just be aware that this coax is thicc and quite stiff so it's not the easiest to handle, especially in mobile environments.

But it is straight up 💪!

Best Cable Assembly for Racks & Tight Spaces

AV-Cables Mini 12G-SDI

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A much smaller diameter and more flexible coax than the RG-6 and RG-7 options above, but still rated for all current SMPTE standards.

• Made with Belden 4855R, an industry standard mini RG-59 coax
• Made with high quality Belden connectors
• Made by a trusted cable maker based in Ohio

This solution is perfect use inside racks and tight areas.

Best Cable Assembly for Mobile Cameras

Blue Jeans Cable Flexible 6G-SDI

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When you need a thin and nimble cable that is still durable for mobile applications, this flexible RG-59 is your answer.

• Made with Belden 1505F, a high quality flexible coax
• Made with high quality Canare BNC crimp connectors
• Made by a trusted cable maker based in Seattle, Washington with more than 20 years in the industry

But, don't be fooled! This cable is still no slouch for SDI transmission distance.

Best Cable Assembly for Camera Setups

Alvin's Cables Coiled 3G-SDI

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These cables work splendidly for camera monitor/viewfinder setups.

The coiled cables minimize snags and the straight or 90º connector combinations provide customizable options to create a clean and efficient configuration.

Best Value Coax Cable

Belden 1694A

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I would venture to guess that there is more Belden 1694A being used for SDI transmission today (at least in North America) than any other coax.

1694A and SDI go together like peanut butter and jelly, like Snoopy and Charlie, like Pinky and The Brain!

While I still recommend running a 12G-rated coax as much as possible nowadays, this is going to be just as good for a vast majority of situations.

Shop around and you should be able to find it for less than $0.60 USD per foot.

Best Budget Coax Cable

trueCABLE RG-6

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I know, I know. This breaks my rule by not having published ratings for SMPTE standards. Don't @ me! 🫣

But, I get it. Sometimes you just need to get the job done with the least expense possible.

So if you are on a tight budget, only need a maximum length of 150', don't need to support any standard higher than 3G-SDI, and the cable will not be in a mission-critical position, then this could be your answer.

With that said, this coax is pretty impressive for the price point...

• Bare copper conductor
• Durable PVC outer jacket
• Rated for in-wall (CL2) and riser (CMR) applications

It even performs 96% as well as Belden 1694A for 3GHz attenuation at 100' and 85% as well as Belden 1694A for 3GHz minimum return loss.

Best Coax Cable for Racks & Tight Spaces

Belden 4855R

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A miniature RG-59 rated for up to 12G-SDI transmission that is perfect for racks and short runs.

Best Flexible Coax Cable

Belden 1505F

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A flexible, yet still durable, RG-59 rated for up to 6G-SDI transmission that is great for mobile cameras and shorter runs that require a tight bend radius.

Best Coax Stripper Tool

Paladin Tools CST Pro

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A high quality and versatile coax stripper with interchangeable cassettes that cover a wide variety of cable and connector sizes and types.

This version comes with the Orange cassette for Kings & Amphenol 3-Piece BNC connectors.

Additional Cassettes

• Black Cassette for Belden 3-Piece BNC Connectors
• Green Cassette for Common 2-Piece & 3-Piece BNC Connectors

Best BNC Crimper Tool

Paladin Tools CrimpALL

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A high quality and versatile crimper with interchangeable die sets.

You will need an additional die set (options listed below) to match the specific BNC connectors you wish to crimp.

Die Sets

• PA2648 for Common RG-59 and RG-174 2-Piece and 3-Piece BNC Connectors
• PA2699 Universal HDTV Die Set for Kings, ADC, B&L, Trompeter, Amphenol, and Switchcraft connectors for Belden 1855A, 1865A, 1505A, 1505F, 1694A, and 1694F

Best Wire Cutter Tool

Platinum Tools CCS-6

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An excellent wire cutter designed specifically for coax cable.

Best Budget Compression Crimper Tool

Klein Tools Compression Crimper

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A solid compression crimper from a popular and trusted tool brand.

Best Label Maker for Cables

Brady M210 Portable Label Printer

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Pro Tip: Always label both ends of your cables.

Even if the cable will never be permanently installed it is helpful to have identification for many reasons, and can help prevent a lot of 🤬 during stressful times.

Compatible Labels

• Brady PermaSleeve Heat Shrink Tubing
• Brady Self-Laminating Wire Wrap
• Brady All-Weather Vinyl Label

Best BNC Extraction Tool

Jonard Tools BNC Extraction Tool

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This is a lifesaver when you're working in tight spaces.

Another Great SDI Cable Maker

Custom Cable Connection

Visit CustomCableConnection.com

Another great company based in the U.S. that provides a variety of high quality cables.

They also provide many different cable types including pro audio, networking, power, and even analog and fiber solutions.

Best Premium SDI Cable Maker

Elite Core

Visit EliteCoreAudio.com

When you need the ultimate customizability, this is your answer.

Elite Core not only provides excellent quality hand-made SDI cables, but they can also create custom cable snakes and looms, patch panels, wall plates, floor pockets, and more.

If you can dream it (within technical limitations, of course), Elite Core can make it!

Best SDI Cable Maker for Camera Configurations

Alvin's Cables

Visit AlvinsCable.com

If you need a specialty cable for a niche situation, Alvin Zhu and his team can probably make it.

Need a coiled SDI cable with right angle BNC connectors for your camera setup? Yep.

Need a combo SDI and Hirose power cable for your wireless camera transmitter? Also, yep.

Alvin's Cables specializes in custom cable solutions for cinema and broadcast including video, audio, timecode, data, and power.